Subject pronouns: je, tu, il, elle
Who is speaking
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Who is speaking
French names the person with je, tu, il, elle, nous, vous, ils, elles. The verb form changes with that pronoun.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Talking about yourself
Use 'je' for 'I'.
Je parle français.
I speak French.
Addressing a friend
Use 'tu' for 'you' informally.
Tu écoutes.
You listen.
Pointing out a person
Use 'elle' for she and 'il' for he.
Elle chante, il danse.
She sings, he dances.
Common mix-ups
To state “I speak French,” include je. Parle français is an imperative, meaning “Speak French.”
I speak French.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
She works here and we live nearby.
Show one possible answer
Elle travaille ici et nous habitons près d'ici.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice French grammar in context
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